Hello
I was diagnosed with Afib recently. I am taking Sotalol 80mg twice day and Eliquis 5 mg daily. Monday my heart rate went up to 150 or above and after abt 30 min I called 911. By the time they came the rate was coming down but did spike several times to 120. After reading info on your forum I saw that this can last for hours or days so initially I did not panic. My question is how do you deal with these episodes and when to call paramedics? R there tips that help to calm down heart?
Hi GC.
Breathing can help can help lower your HR rate. Grounding can too - have a Google. Here's a copy and paste which may help.
Paul
Atrial fibrillation (Afib) episodes can be concerning, and it's crucial to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider. However, here are some general tips that may help you manage Afib episodes:
Follow your prescribed medication plan: Take your medications as directed by your doctor. In your case, Sotalol and Eliquis are prescribed to help manage your heart rhythm and prevent blood clots.
Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, including the duration and intensity of Afib episodes. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in adjusting your treatment plan.
Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to irregular heart rhythms. Ensure you're staying adequately hydrated, but be mindful of any fluid restrictions your doctor may have advised.
Avoid stimulants: Limit or avoid substances that can trigger or worsen Afib, such as caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.
Manage stress: Stress can contribute to Afib episodes. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Adopt a heart-healthy diet, engage in regular exercise (as recommended by your doctor), and maintain a healthy weight.
Know when to seek help: If you experience severe or prolonged symptoms, especially if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or dizziness, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can guide you on when to call paramedics or go to the emergency room.
Thanks..this is a very helpful esp to monitor episodes and triggers and to stay hydrated. The paramedics did state I was dehydrated and how important it is to stay hydrated on beta blockers.
Have you tried the acupressure points which are based on pinching the bridge of the nose tightly? It works with many people and the doctor who came out the first time I ever had AF recommended it and tried it. You can get the details on Youtube and such like.
Thanks.. I will look for it
I have experienced both boats of PAF and persistent AF over the last 6 to 10 years. When I was first diagnosed. I didn’t know how to react when the heart rate went up. I’ve found myself in A&E twice when the PAF didn’t respond to medication, but during the weight for Seeing a consultant the heart rate and resolved itself since then I tend to just wait to see what happens monitoring it constantly. I generally use the blood pressure readings as a guide. If the blood pressure readings aren’t too concerning. I generally just wait for the heart rate to go down on its own What I found as well is that being too hot can also influence your heart rate and affect how quickly you recover. Well I recover from about of AF. I have to keep cool or it affects my heart rate cold showers. Work Asda are cold bath and in the winter. Just coming out of the house when it’s too hot and standing in the garden for 10 or 15 minutes to cool down as I find heat, stress has more of affect on the AF than being slightly chilled But I wouldn’t recommend being cold all the time as I’m sure this could have a more detrimental effect than just being at the right temperature, which sometimes is hard to maintain
I think staying cool may work for me.. I keep a portable fan nearby at all times. At least it will help relieve the anxiety..
I imagine what you've described is common among us and it is likely AF irritating the ventricles and creating the high rate rather than tachycardia alone. I'd say you need your GP to agree a plan for when it happens as it's unlikely, all else being equal, that you need extra medical attention. I don't find I can bring the racing pulse down with any means, myself, however I try, including breathing exercises. All I can do is wait it out or take up to 5mg of bisoprolol, which is my "plan' (I take 1.25mg daily)! So far, so good.
Steve
Thanks for the input. I have only had two episodes that reached this level . Before then I mostly had premature beats that progressively increased. I wore a monitor several times and the last one picked up afib episode. So now the journey begins . I also have hypertension.
From what I have read, targeting high blood pressure can be a very important step using weight reduction, antihypertensives and so on.
Steve
Greatcrowd Would be good to talk to your doctor about the high heart rate and possible change in medications.
As Ppiman states above it is difficult, if not impossible, for breathing exercises, etc to work. Best to lie down and relax, and call for assistance if needed.
Thanks for advice. I see that this will be a challenge that I have to learn to cope with
When I have AF it’s very often in hot weather so staying well hydrated and as cool as possible is my coping method. If I feel ill (faint, breathless) I rest and if I have pain in my chest or neck I would think about calling 111 or 999. I know I don’t have CAD but I do have artery spasms during a fast episode so I’m careful. It depends a lot on individual circumstances and the treatment you are likely to receive in A&E/ER.
Hi
Sounds like you should talk to your cardiologist to start you on low dose of Diltiazem maybe 30mg fast reacting.
As a Calcium Channel Blocker this drug CONTROLLED my rapid AF and Heart Rate.
cherio JOY. 75 (NZ)
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